Typhoon Lagoon - Cabana/Beachcomber Shack - Check-in Process

[Indecisive]

I am considering renting a beachcomber shack (cabana) at TL for my party of five in May. I know they are $$$, but I like the idea of having a dedicated shady spot, a locker right with our chairs, etc., and we are saving a lot of money by staying off-site this trip. Anyway, one of my concerns is that at rope drop, instead of rushing right to the rides, we would have to wait in a line (albeit hopefully short) to check in for our cabana, then get shown to our cabana by a staff person, have everything explained to us, etc. Meanwhile, all the other rope droppers will be zipping around Miss Adventure Falls and Crush n Gusher! In the alternative, we could try to somehow secure our phones/money while doing a few rides at RD and then head for the cabana, but that, too, seems to have disadvantages because the line for rental check-ins would then be longer and we would have less of a chance of getting our preferred cabana location.

I fear I may be overthinking this (wouldn't be the first time). Has anyone rented the cabanas, and how long did it take to check in? Did you feel you missed valuable early morning park time while doing so?

Thank you!

 

[tookydo]

We've rented the cabana's several times at Typhoon Lagoon. I'd say within 15 minutes we were all settled in and on our way to the rides. I don't think it made much of a difference as far as lines and RD went. Keep in mind that many coming in with you will be seeking out chairs, securing their belongings, and perhaps even renting lockers, etc. Enjoy!

 

[Pakey]

We always reserve ahead and our cabana locations have been assigned prior to check-in. Last year was the only time it took more than 15 minutes--there were 3 groups in line ahead of us to check-in and there was some issue with one of those groups that took forever. I've never felt that I was missing valuable park time; we stay all day and have more than enough park time.

 

[Indecisive]

This is so good to know. Thank you both!!!

 

[heidijanesmith]

We rented one for the 1st time last year. It was totally worth it!

We got there before opening and were let into our cabana area before the park opened. We got all of our info from our attendant and was told to stay in our cabana until the park was open. It worked out perfectly.

The cabana attendant was fantastic, making sure we had everything we need. Got us lunch and refilled our water.

We requested our cabana to be at the wave pool area. I loved the area as the wave pool is our favorite part of the park.

We are renting again this year.

 

[Indecisive]

That is awesome that you were allowed to go to your cabana pre-park opening! If we do rent one, I will cross my fingers for such pixie dust! Thank you for sharing your experience!

 

[housetomouse]

I can't decide if this would be worth it. I did hate jockeying for chairs and I was nervous the whole time that someone was going to take our stuff (just phones, but still). Maybe I can justify it that it would cost that much to replace our phones if they were stolen? haha I'm having a hard time coming up with reasons to explain to my husband why we need to do this, but I really want to do it!

 

[Indecisive]

I just called and reserved! FYI, it turned out that my date in May is considered off season, so I got a [relatively!] lower rate, $239. (Yay!) They also told me, without my asking, that we can check in 30 minutes before park opening and wait in the cabana until park opening, so I guess that is official policy and not pixie dust. This totally alleviates my touring plan concern. Yay! I can't wait!

 

[heidijanesmith]

For us it was worth it, just to have a nice shady spot to be our "home". It was nice to be able to lock up our stuff, with out having to rent a locker.

We love TL and this just made our visit there even better.

 

[knockUout]

Is there a separate line to enter before park opens if you have a cabana rented?